Gritting shortage "completely unacceptable" says Farron

Local MP Tim Farron and Lib Dem councillor Joan Stocker have called for immediate action from the Labour-run County Council to help hundreds of local residents stranded by recent weather conditions.

Recent snow and freezing temperatures have closed schools and made some roads in the South Lakes impassable. Many local residents have found themselves unable to leave their homes as roads across the area were not gritted in preparation for the cold weather.

Commenting, Mr Farron said:

"The County Council's management of gritting has been completely unacceptable and has put local people needlessly at risk.

"My office has been inundated with calls from residents trapped in their homes due to the ice and snow.

"The County Council's allocated budget for managing the winter conditions has remained exactly the same yet people are still getting less for their money. The Council must do more to avoid a repeat of this week's fiasco and ensure that the roads are well gritted so that people can travel safely across the South Lakes."